JCSU’S STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAM ENHANCES RETENTION RATES
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on August 02, 2024 Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), which enrolls approximately 1,100 students, with 78% identifying as Black or African American, has reported positive results from a newly implemented student success program. Launched in collaboration with InsideTrack and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the initiative aims to enhance first-year student retention through a comprehensive support system. This new approach has led to a 3% increase in student persistence for the 2023-24 academic year compared to the previous year. The program introduces a holistic support model in which first-year students are assigned a dedicated success coach, distinct from their academic advisor. These success coaches, who are JCSU employees funded by the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative, provide guidance on academic, social, and personal issues. They assist students in setting and achieving goals and offer help with challenges ranging from academic tutoring to medical needs. According to Gabrielle Allison, a spokesperson for JCSU, these coaches function similarly to life advisors, ensuring that students have the support they need to navigate their college experience effectively. Retention rates at JCSU have fluctuated since the Covid-19 pandemic, with a significant decline in graduation rates from 49% in 2018-19 to 34% in 2022-23. In response, the university adopted this new initiative to address retention challenges. National data reveals that Black students face considerable obstacles to graduation, with only 45.9% graduating within six years from four-year public colleges. Financial barriers are a major factor, as 72% of Black students take out college loans compared to 56% of white students. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like JCSU play a crucial role in the education of Black students, representing just 3% of all four-year institutions but enrolling 10% of Black college students and producing nearly 20% of Black graduates. Graduates from HBCUs experience substantial financial benefits over their lifetimes, with a degree adding an estimated $927,000 in earnings compared to those without a degree. The new success program at JCSU is part of a multi-year effort to improve student retention and transition from college to career. Success coaches have been trained in two phases, one in summer 2023 and another in fall 2023. The results have been promising: 95% of first-year students met with a success coach at least once, and 80% had at least two meetings. Among those who engaged with a coach, 47% achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher, while 80% maintained a GPA of at least 2.0. This program not only addresses academic performance but also provides personal support, assisting students with practical matters such as meal planning and goal setting. By offering personalized and coordinated care, JCSU’s initiative reflects the university’s commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and supporting students in overcoming the unique challenges they face. JCSU President Valerie Kinloch emphasized the university's dedication to ensuring that students have the opportunity and support needed to achieve their educational and career goals. Malika Clinkscales from InsideTrack praised the program’s success, highlighting it as a model of how HBCUs can provide tailored support to improve student success. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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